Ruling party head stresses Gov’t acting “with responsibility” on imprisoned former President Saakashvili

Irakli Kobakhidze, the Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Tuesday said the Government was “not only aware” of its responsibility in relation to developments around the imprisoned former President Mikheil Saakashvili, but also acting in accordance with the duty.

Kobakhidze’s comment followed a statement by the United States Department of State, which on Monday said the Georgian Government was “responsible for ensuring all basic rights of the imprisoned former President Mikheil Saakashvili”.

In his reaction, the Georgian official said the Government was “very well aware of its responsibility”, and drew a contrast between prison conditions during the former United National Movement Government of Saakashvili and the current state of affairs in detention facilities.

The conditions for prisoners in hospitals are what they should be and human rights are protected. This is our responsibility and this is what makes our Government different from the previous Government. This difference is especially tangible in prisons”, the GD official said. 

• US State Department says Georgian Gov’t “responsible” for ex-Pres. Saakashvili’s health

Georgia’s Justice Minister Rati Bregadze has stressed Saakashvili’s rights are being “fully protected” in detention facilities, from the Rustavi No.12 prison - where he was initially placed - to the hospital of the Gldani No.18 prison - where he was moved in early November last year - as well as the Gori Military Hospital - where he was transferred in late November - and finally at the Vivamedi civilian clinic, where he has been receiving treatment since May 12.

A trial hearing at Tbilisi City Court on granting the release of Saakashvili on medical grounds or postponing the rest of his sentence will be held on Wednesday after being postponed from Friday due to technical issues with ensuring his participation via a video link.